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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter—
HIGHLANDERS FC’S activity on the player market seems not over with Chicken Inn defensive link Danny “Decco” Phiri seemingly set to be the last addition to the Bulawayo giants’ 2014 squad. Already in Bosso’s books are Welcome Ndiweni, Joel Ngodzo, Valentine Ndaba, Khumbulani Banda, Njabulo Nyoni, Felix Chindungwe, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Charles Sibanda.
The fastfoods outlet sponsored team has said their player is not up for sale.
The Gamecocks notified Bosso in writing that they are not interested in discussing about the most sought after Phiri who has reportedly attracted interest from South African clubs Mpumalanga Black Aces, Cape Town’s Milano and Polokwane City.
Pretoria University popularly known as AmaTuks and Jomo Cosmos are also believed to be interested in the player. Phiri shone like a beacon at the recent Chan finals in South Africa.
“Phiri is staying at Chicken Inn and the player instructed us to stop talking to Highlanders until his agent (Fortune Chisale) comes next week. He has a running contract with Chicken Inn FC,” Tawengwa Hara, the Chicken Inn secretary-general said yesterday.
He could not be drawn into commenting about the letter his club wrote to Highlanders turning down Bosso’s request.
Bosso are believed to have tabled a bid of $20,000 for a player rated at $50,000 by Chicken Inn. Part of the Bosso deal would have been to share proceeds of his future sale if there were takers in a given time.
Phiri has always been a vital cog at the Gamecocks, translating his club performance to national team duty where he won a lot of admiration with his positional discipline, ability to win clean tackles and also read the game.
His contract with the Gamecocks runs out at the end of the year.
Sources said Chicken Inn FC put a $50,000 price tag on any local club interested in the services of the defensive midfielder in an effort to scare away teams who want the want-away player.
An impeccable source within the ambitious fastfood outlets sponsored club said the figure suits their most valuable player.
With “Deco” playing in front of the defence line at the Chan finals, Zimbabwe only conceded two goals in the tournament where they settled for fourth position.
Highlanders’ chairman Peter Dube confirmed that they are in receipt of Chicken Inn’s response but declined to comment on the contents.
“We are still engaging Chicken Inn about the player (Phiri) who expressed his desire to join us through writing to us even if they have said his matter is not negotiable. We don’t want to talk much in the Press because this might jeopardise negotiations,” Dube said.
He is a former Railstars and Bantu Rovers player and he is said to be hopeful that Chicken Inn will release him.
Should he manage to cross the floor, Phiri will link up with his former Railstars teammate Bruce Kangwa and Khmbulani Banda.
“I am training with Chicken Inn but I have made a decision to move to Highlanders but the club is unwilling to let me go. Right now I am waiting for my agent Chisale to come from South Africa so that he speaks to the club. Maybe after that, something may be done.
“I have had a great stay at Chicken Inn, developing into the player I am today but I believe it’s time to move to a bigger team like Highlanders to improve my career,” Phiri said.
In a telephone interview from South Africa, Chisale said: “I will be in Bulawayo next week to clarify a few things. My client wants to move but things should be done above board and I believe engaging Chicken Inn is the best thing to do. Whatever decision will be made, I think at the end of the day it is about what is best for the player and I hope we will reach an amicable decision,” said Chisale.
Highlanders do not have a workaholic providing good cover to the defence and it is hoped the arrival of Phiri could just be what the doctor ordered.
Another player who was on the 2006 champions’ radar is George Majika who is with Plumtree Chiefs.
Online Reporter